Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technology content and precision manufacturing, involving optoelectronics, medical, measurement and other fields. The first 2 digits of the HS code are 90, indicating that the goods fall within this chapter. Heading 9006 includes photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs, other than discharge lamps of heading 8539. This heading mainly covers various still image capture devices, including traditional film cameras, digital cameras, special-purpose cameras (such as vehicle-mounted, surveillance, underwater, etc.), and photographic flash apparatus. Code 900610 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 9006 (photographic cameras and flash apparatus); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 900610, specifically "vehicle-mounted cameras". This subheading is a specific named classification under 9006 divided by use, specifically for cameras installed on vehicles, such as reversing cameras, dashcams, autonomous driving vision systems, etc. Vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900610 because they fall within the category of photographic cameras and are specially designed for vehicles. They are not classified under 8525 (television cameras, etc.) because that heading mainly covers video cameras that convert to television signals; not under 8512 (vehicle lighting or signaling equipment) because the camera's main function is image capture rather than lighting; not under 8708 (vehicle parts) because the camera is an independent optical device, not a structural component of the vehicle.
Chapter
Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus, precision instruments and apparatus, and parts and accessories thereof. Goods in this chapter are characterized by high technology content and precision manufacturing, involving optoelectronics, medical, measurement and other fields. The first 2 digits of the HS code are 90, indicating that the goods fall within this chapter.
Heading
Heading 9006 includes photographic cameras (other than cinematographic); photographic flashlight apparatus and flashbulbs, other than discharge lamps of heading 8539. This heading mainly covers various still image capture devices, including traditional film cameras, digital cameras, special-purpose cameras (such as vehicle-mounted, surveillance, underwater, etc.), and photographic flash apparatus.
Digit Breakdown
Code 900610 is a six-digit subheading. The first 2 digits "90" represent Chapter 90 (optical, photographic, medical, etc. equipment); digits 3-4 "06" represent heading 9006 (photographic cameras and flash apparatus); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 900610, specifically "vehicle-mounted cameras". This subheading is a specific named classification under 9006 divided by use, specifically for cameras installed on vehicles, such as reversing cameras, dashcams, autonomous driving vision systems, etc.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted cameras are classified under 900610 because they fall within the category of photographic cameras and are specially designed for vehicles. They are not classified under 8525 (television cameras, etc.) because that heading mainly covers video cameras that convert to television signals; not under 8512 (vehicle lighting or signaling equipment) because the camera's main function is image capture rather than lighting; not under 8708 (vehicle parts) because the camera is an independent optical device, not a structural component of the vehicle.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted camera" or "dashcam". Use: Describe the specific application scenario of the camera, such as reversing assistance, driving recording, autonomous driving vision, etc. Brand: The brand name of the declared goods (such as Sony, Bosch, etc.). If there is no brand, indicate "no brand". Model: The model or specification code of the declared goods, used to uniquely identify the product. Image Sensor Type: Indicate whether the sensor is CMOS or CCD, as well as key parameters such as resolution. Digital or Not: Specify whether it is a digital camera or a traditional film camera. Vehicle-mounted cameras are usually digital. Installation Position: Indicate the installation position of the camera on the vehicle, such as front, rear, side view, etc. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted camera; Use: Reversing image assistance; Brand: Bosch; Model: BOSCH-1234; Image Sensor Type: CMOS, resolution 1920x1080; Digital or Not: Yes; Installation Position: Rear. Misclassifying a vehicle-mounted camera with video output function under 8525, ignoring that its main function is still image capture. Failing to distinguish between a vehicle-mounted camera and a vehicle rearview mirror assembly, the latter of which may be classified under 8708. Ignoring the "vehicle-mounted" specificity and classifying an ordinary digital camera under 900610.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods, which should accurately reflect the product attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted camera" or "dashcam".
⚠️ Declaring generically as "camera" or "webcam" without reflecting the "vehicle-mounted" use.
Use
Describe the specific application scenario of the camera, such as reversing assistance, driving recording, autonomous driving vision, etc.
⚠️ Only writing "vehicle-mounted" without specifying the specific function, leading to classification disputes.
Brand
The brand name of the declared goods (such as Sony, Bosch, etc.). If there is no brand, indicate "no brand".
⚠️ Omitting the brand or incorrectly declaring the manufacturer's name.
Model
The model or specification code of the declared goods, used to uniquely identify the product.
⚠️ Incomplete model number or inconsistent with the actual product.
Image Sensor Type
Indicate whether the sensor is CMOS or CCD, as well as key parameters such as resolution.
⚠️ Not providing the sensor type, affecting technical determination.
Digital or Not
Specify whether it is a digital camera or a traditional film camera. Vehicle-mounted cameras are usually digital.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring as film type, leading to classification errors.
Installation Position
Indicate the installation position of the camera on the vehicle, such as front, rear, side view, etc.
⚠️ Not indicating the installation position, which may be misclassified as other camera equipment.
Misclassifying a vehicle-mounted camera with video output function under 8525, ignoring that its main function is still image capture.
Failing to distinguish between a vehicle-mounted camera and a vehicle rearview mirror assembly, the latter of which may be classified under 8708.
Ignoring the "vehicle-mounted" specificity and classifying an ordinary digital camera under 900610.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the function, use, and working principle of the goods. A vehicle-mounted camera must be specially designed for vehicles, used for capturing still images or video, and is usually an independent optical device. If it is integrated with other vehicle components (such as integrated into a rearview mirror), it may be classified as a vehicle part. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish whether it is digital or film, but subheading 900610 does not further subdivide, so both are classified under this code. 8525 Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders: 8525 covers television cameras, video camera recorders, etc., whose main function is to capture dynamic video and convert it into television signals. If a vehicle-mounted camera is only used for still image capture, it should be classified under 9006; if it has video recording and outputs video signals, it may be classified under 8525. 8512 Lighting or signaling equipment for bicycles or motor vehicles: 8512 includes electrical equipment such as vehicle lighting, signaling, wipers, etc. If a vehicle-mounted camera integrates lighting functions but its main function is image capture, it is still classified under 9006; if it is only a lighting device, it is classified under 8512. 8708 Parts and accessories of motor vehicles: 8708 covers vehicle structural parts and accessories. If a vehicle-mounted camera is installed as an independent device and does not constitute an inseparable part of the vehicle, it should be classified under 9006; if it is integrated with the vehicle structure (such as built into a rearview mirror), it may be classified under 8708. 9006 Other cameras: 900610 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted cameras, while other subheadings under 9006 such as 900630 (special cameras for underwater, aerial, etc.), 900640 (instant cameras), etc., have different uses. A vehicle-mounted camera must clearly have "vehicle-mounted" use to be classified under 900610. Is the product specially designed for vehicles and installed on vehicles? Is the main function to capture still images or video? Is it independent of other vehicle systems, rather than an integrated component? Does it have a digital image sensor? Could it be misclassified under 8525 or 8708?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the function, use, and working principle of the goods. A vehicle-mounted camera must be specially designed for vehicles, used for capturing still images or video, and is usually an independent optical device. If it is integrated with other vehicle components (such as integrated into a rearview mirror), it may be classified as a vehicle part. In addition, it is necessary to distinguish whether it is digital or film, but subheading 900610 does not further subdivide, so both are classified under this code.
Confused Codes：
8525 - Television cameras, digital cameras and video camera recorders
8525 covers television cameras, video camera recorders, etc., whose main function is to capture dynamic video and convert it into television signals. If a vehicle-mounted camera is only used for still image capture, it should be classified under 9006; if it has video recording and outputs video signals, it may be classified under 8525.
8512 - Lighting or signaling equipment for bicycles or motor vehicles
8512 includes electrical equipment such as vehicle lighting, signaling, wipers, etc. If a vehicle-mounted camera integrates lighting functions but its main function is image capture, it is still classified under 9006; if it is only a lighting device, it is classified under 8512.
8708 - Parts and accessories of motor vehicles
8708 covers vehicle structural parts and accessories. If a vehicle-mounted camera is installed as an independent device and does not constitute an inseparable part of the vehicle, it should be classified under 9006; if it is integrated with the vehicle structure (such as built into a rearview mirror), it may be classified under 8708.
9006 - Other cameras
900610 specifically refers to vehicle-mounted cameras, while other subheadings under 9006 such as 900630 (special cameras for underwater, aerial, etc.), 900640 (instant cameras), etc., have different uses. A vehicle-mounted camera must clearly have "vehicle-mounted" use to be classified under 900610.
Self-Check：
✓ Is the product specially designed for vehicles and installed on vehicles?
✓ Is the main function to capture still images or video?
✓ Is it independent of other vehicle systems, rather than an integrated component?
✓ Does it have a digital image sensor?
✓ Could it be misclassified under 8525 or 8708?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between a vehicle-mounted camera and a dashcam? Dashcams usually have loop recording and video storage functions, mainly capturing dynamic video, and may be classified under 8525 (video camera recorders). If a vehicle-mounted camera is mainly used for still image capture (such as a single frame of a reversing image), it is classified under 900610. However, if the reversing image system continuously outputs video signals, it may also be classified under 8525, and the determination should be based on the main function. How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera should be classified under 900610 instead of 8708? The key is whether it is an independent optical device. If the camera can be separately removed and replaced, and does not constitute a part of the vehicle structure, it should be classified under 900610. If the camera is integrated with the vehicle's rearview mirror, bumper, etc., and cannot be separated, it may be classified as a vehicle part under 8708. It is recommended to refer to heading notes and customs classification decisions. What technical parameters must be provided when declaring a vehicle-mounted camera? Brand, model, use, image sensor type (CMOS/CCD), resolution, whether digital, installation position, etc. are required. These parameters help customs confirm the product attributes and classification. If video output is involved, the output interface type and video format should also be specified. If a vehicle-mounted camera has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functions, will it affect classification? Generally not, because classification is based on the main function. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are additional communication functions and do not change its nature as a camera. However, if the device's main function becomes wireless communication, it may be classified under 8517. It is necessary to ensure that the main function is still image capture. How to check the applicable tariff rate when importing a vehicle-mounted camera? First determine the HS code 900610, then check the tariff rate based on the country of origin and trade agreements. The latest rates can be obtained through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the WTO tariff database, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that rates may change due to policy adjustments, and it is recommended to use real-time customs data as the standard. What certification requirements must be met when exporting vehicle-mounted cameras to the EU? Exporting to the EU requires CE certification, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low voltage directive (LVD), etc. If it has wireless functions, it also needs to comply with the RED directive. In addition, RoHS and REACH compliance declarations are required. It is recommended to communicate with certification bodies in advance. If the vehicle-mounted camera is part of a complete system (such as an autonomous driving system), how should it be classified? If the complete system is imported together, it should be classified according to the main function of the system. If the camera is imported separately, it is still classified under 900610. However, if the system has been assembled into a complete device, it may be classified under other codes (such as 8708 or 8525). It is recommended to determine based on the actual import status and function.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between a vehicle-mounted camera and a dashcam?
A: Dashcams usually have loop recording and video storage functions, mainly capturing dynamic video, and may be classified under 8525 (video camera recorders). If a vehicle-mounted camera is mainly used for still image capture (such as a single frame of a reversing image), it is classified under 900610. However, if the reversing image system continuously outputs video signals, it may also be classified under 8525, and the determination should be based on the main function.
Q: How to determine whether a vehicle-mounted camera should be classified under 900610 instead of 8708?
A: The key is whether it is an independent optical device. If the camera can be separately removed and replaced, and does not constitute a part of the vehicle structure, it should be classified under 900610. If the camera is integrated with the vehicle's rearview mirror, bumper, etc., and cannot be separated, it may be classified as a vehicle part under 8708. It is recommended to refer to heading notes and customs classification decisions.
Q: What technical parameters must be provided when declaring a vehicle-mounted camera?
A: Brand, model, use, image sensor type (CMOS/CCD), resolution, whether digital, installation position, etc. are required. These parameters help customs confirm the product attributes and classification. If video output is involved, the output interface type and video format should also be specified.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted camera has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth functions, will it affect classification?
A: Generally not, because classification is based on the main function. Wi-Fi or Bluetooth are additional communication functions and do not change its nature as a camera. However, if the device's main function becomes wireless communication, it may be classified under 8517. It is necessary to ensure that the main function is still image capture.
Q: How to check the applicable tariff rate when importing a vehicle-mounted camera?
A: First determine the HS code 900610, then check the tariff rate based on the country of origin and trade agreements. The latest rates can be obtained through the website of the General Administration of Customs of China, the WTO tariff database, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that rates may change due to policy adjustments, and it is recommended to use real-time customs data as the standard.
Q: What certification requirements must be met when exporting vehicle-mounted cameras to the EU?
A: Exporting to the EU requires CE certification, including electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and low voltage directive (LVD), etc. If it has wireless functions, it also needs to comply with the RED directive. In addition, RoHS and REACH compliance declarations are required. It is recommended to communicate with certification bodies in advance.
Q: If the vehicle-mounted camera is part of a complete system (such as an autonomous driving system), how should it be classified?
A: If the complete system is imported together, it should be classified according to the main function of the system. If the camera is imported separately, it is still classified under 900610. However, if the system has been assembled into a complete device, it may be classified under other codes (such as 8708 or 8525). It is recommended to determine based on the actual import status and function.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.